How to check thyroid report

The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck. It is a very important gland that produces a hormone that helps regulate your entire body’s metabolism, temperature, heart rate, growth, and development. The thyroid gland can be functionally underactive or overactive. The thyroid can be enlarged, have benign nodules (growths) and, more rarely, malignant nodules. • Tilt your head back and take a sip of water while looking in a mirror. If there is any swelling, tenderness, bumps/lumps, or nodules at the base of the neck, call your physician. • The best way to check your thyroid is to get your doctor to test your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels to determine if there’s an issue. • Thyroid disorder symptoms include feeling too cold or warm, unexpected weight gain or loss, exhaustion, and a rapid heart or breathing rate. Monitor for symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the condition where you have an underactive thyroid. All forms of hypothyroidism can be caused by viral infections, radiation damage, some medications, pregnancy, and other rarer causes. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include: X Research source X Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals • Severe and constant fatigue • Changes in the menstrual cycle • Constipation • Depression • Dry, coarse hair • Hair loss • Dry skin • Disturbed sleep cycle, such as wanting to sleep all the time • Intolerance to cold • Decreased heart rate • Muscle weakness • Unexplai...

An estimated 15 million Americans have undiagnosed thyroid problems. You can perform a simple neck check self-exam to help with early detection and check for lumps or enlargements in the neck that may point to a thyroid condition. Here is a step-by-step guide. All you will need is: • Handheld mirror • Glass of water How to Take the Thyroid Neck Check • Hold the mirror in your hand, focusing on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the voice box (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck. • While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back. • Take a drink of water and swallow. • As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. • Reminder: Don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone. You may want to repeat this process several times. • If you do see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment for thyroid disease is needed.